Recently Reliant Energy sent out some questionnaires with incentives that asked how interested we would be in some new rewards-based programs. Some of the rewards required consumers to pay an extra $5 to $10 per month. Another plan on the survey included a roommate plan where you could split the bill.
It seems Reliant electric is looking for new ways to keep existing customers and gain new ones in a highly competitive energy sector. Read our review of Reliant Energy here and the best credit card to use for Utility payments this month here..
Power Perks Plan
Now you can earn valuable points by paying your electricity bill. Your points can be used to purchase gift cards, energy efficiency products for your home, and consumer electronics.
Sign up on the Power Perks plan from Reliant and receive the following benefits:
-Welcome bonus points just for signing up!
-Earn points for signing up for account services, renewing with Reliant, and paying your bill before the due date.
-24/7 customer service and support, online or by phone
Discounts and Preferred Programs
As a Reliant customer you have access to discounts and preferred programs brought to you by our partners. How appealing are each of these discounts or programs to you?
10% discount off various home services offered by Reliant (includes A/C, Plumbing and Electrical repairs from trusted, certified technicians).
15% discount off innovative and easy to use portable solar and battery products by Goal Zero to keep you powered on the go, or in case of an emergency.
10% off home security services offered by Reliant (includes installation, security system and professional monitoring).
10% off home backup generators offered by Reliant to ensure that your home is never in the dark (choose from a variety of options).
Rooftop solar rebate incentives offered by Reliant. Cashback rebate of up to $4500 for installing solar panels at your place of residence.
Free NRG Go power pack rentals at Reliant’s NRG Go Stations to keep your mobile device powered while you are on the go.
OUR TAKE
Looking over these choices the only real program that stands out is the Power Perks with rewards if the rate is not increased like they do with the AAdvantage (American Airlines) and United Airlines programs where the rates are much higher. Earning points and staying loyal to one brand should not make the consumer pay a higher monthly fee or rate.
They also offered other new program offers:
Rate Lock:
For a $10 monthly fee we’ll sign you up on our guaranteed lowest rate. At the end of your term we will review your account. Using advanced analytics and our own propriety algorithm we will make sure you are renewed on the lowest rate possible.
Credit Booster:
For a $5 monthly fee, Reliant will report your favorable payment history back to the 3 major credit bureaus. Reporting will happen every month. With a favorable payment history, you will be able to increase your credit score by up to 20 points within the next 12 months.
Savers Club:
For a $3 monthly fee you can earn valuable points just by paying your electricity bill. Your points can then be used to purchase gift cards, energy efficiency products for your home, and consumer electronics.
OUR TAKE
You really expect us to pay extra to lock in a rate when we can switch electric companies every 6 or 12 months? It’s best not to be loyal to any electric company over time in states such as Texas. The credit booster may be a good idea for people with no or lower credit scores but there are better ways to raise your score such as paying off a small loan.
Peace of Mind Plan
Market conditions make electricity pricing volatile. For a flat fee of $10 per month we’ll sign you up and keep you on our guaranteed lowest rate. Have peace of mind that you are getting the best pricing available every day of the year.
Sign up on the Peace of Mind plan from Reliant and receive the following benefits:
-Advanced analytics and our own proprietary algorithm ensure that you have our lowest rate possible.
-24/7 customer service and support, online or by phone
Roommate Plan
We’ve come up with a plan that is perfect for roommates or for those sharing utility bills at their residence. Split billing allows for a portion of the bill to be sent to “Person A” and the remaining portion of the bill to be sent to “Person B”. You determine the percentage each person is billed for. No more arguing over who pays what!
Sign up for the Roommate plan from Reliant and receive the following benefits:
-You determine what percentage of the bill each person is responsible for. The bill can be split between two or more people, depending on your situation.
-Choose from either month-to-month or fixed-rate plan offerings
-24/7 customer service and support, online or by phone
OUR TAKE
The Roomate Plan is something they may be late to the game on since there are various payment services out there such as Venmo and Plastiq.
